Top Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Pot for Your Plants

A plant’s pot is important for its health and growth, just as sunlight, soil, water, and fertiliser are essential. People often overlook the plant’s pot size, weight, drainage holes, etc., which causes the plant’s slow growth. In fact, different pot types are ideal for different plants. 

You must know the mistakes when choosing a pot for your plants for faster, healthier, and better plant growth. From choosing the wrong size to not considering its drainage and aesthetics, we will discuss the top 5 mistakes of pot plant selection to ensure a perfectly growing plant. 

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Pot for Your Plants

A plant needs proper space to grow, which depends on its pot size, length, weight, drainage, materials, and appropriate placement. Generally, it is recommended to leave 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of space between the bottom of the root ball and the bottom of the pot. This allows for proper drainage and root growth. This is attributed to the expanded root space, which supports more robust shoot development. If you choose the wrong pot, your plant’s growth will slow down, and it may even die. 

Choosing the wrong pot size

People choose the wrong pot size for their plants. Whether it is indoor plant containers or outdoor plant pots, people select the pot size of the plant that is different from its previous container. So, the plant root and body don’t get enough space to grow. 

Also, choosing a larger pot can cause overwatering and over-fertilizing the plant. The tree will experience root rotting for overwatering. So, choose just the right size pot for the plant, neither big nor too small. 

It’s good to choose a pot that is 1-2 inches bigger in diameter than the previous ones. Gardening Australia suggests the new pot should be 1.5 times bigger than the old one. It allows the tree and its roots to grow without any restrictions. 

Another study found that doubling the pot size for plants will increase the biomass production by 43%. 

Not Considering Drainage Functions 

The excess water of a pot can’t escape without appropriate drainage holes. It causes overwatering and, in turn, causes the rotten root of the plants. Waterlogged soil and dreaded water roots can even force the plant to death. 

Also, without proper drainage, the root is deprived of oxygen, which slows down plant growth. If the drainage material at the bottom of the pot is coarser, it restricts the water from draining faster. So, always choose a plant pot with an appropriate drainage system and material to avoid overwatering plants. You can choose self-watering pots to avoid underwatering plants. 

Overlooking the Pot Material 

Many think they can select just about any material for their plants. Well, it’s a wrong conception since soil aeration and plant growth depend on the material of the plant. The potting material plays a crucial role in retaining the moisture of the plant soil. 

Terracotta pots dry quickly because of their porous nature. So, it is ideal for plants that grow in drier conditions. Plastic pots, on the other hand, retain moisture more effectively, which suits moist plant soil. 

Glazed ceramic planters are in the middle of the terracotta and plastic materials. It has less porosity and better moisture-retaining capacity due to its glazed construction. Also, plastic plant containers should be avoided because it takes 20 to 500 years for deformation that can damage the environment and spread toxins in plants. 

If you choose the wrong material for plant pots, your growth will slow. So, you can’t enjoy the beauty of your plant as anticipated. 

Ignoring the Soil and Pot Mixing of Plants 

Plants require different pot mixing at different plant growth stages. So, always consider the right soil and pot mixing that goes with the plant and its pot. People choose garden soil with fewer holes because of its high density, which causes overwatering plants. 

For indoor plant containers, choose specially formulated pot mixing for container gardening. It has ample drainage, soil aeration and nutrient balance. Also, vermiculite or perlite should be used for root-bound plants to stop overwatering and root damage with appropriate water retention.

Ignoring Plant Aesthetics

Although the functionality of the plant pot is important, you shouldn’t ignore its aesthetics too. The pot should complement your plant’s size, shape, and home décor. Aesthetics planters consider the pot’s colour, shape, texture and look to ensure it goes well with the plant. It is even more crucial for indoor pot planting and bonsai. 

The right pot plant with the appropriate shape and colour will enhance the beauty of your plant. It also adds a touch of personality to your indoor or outdoor space.

Final Thought

From the right pot weight to pot size and material, everything is essential for the appropriate growth of a plant. Outdoor Furniture Co. understands these plant pot requirements and brings different plant pot styles. Whether you need a ceramic plant pot or terracotta pots in different sizes, Outdoor Furniture Co. will deliver it to you.  

Also, its variations in pot style, texture, and customization options for indoor and outdoor plants will surely fit your budget and plant requirements.